Patrick Miles, DVM is owner and veterinarian at Priceless Pet Clinic in Normandy Park WA. He has worked in emergency medicine since graduating veterinary school and spent seven years at Animal Critical Care and Emergency Services.

How to find a good veterinarian?

When you first adopt a pet really you should be looking into is what type of veterinarian that you’re looking for, what kind of services that are being offered, whether you’re looking for just a clinic for vaccinations, whether you are looking for a long-term veterinarian. You really need to be looking for what their mission is on their websites. You can certainly call in, come in and meet a veterinarian or a veterinary clinic to get a better idea, a better feel for how the practice is laid out, how comfortable you feel in the environment because really what you are looking for is an environment and a clinic that you feel comfortable in.

Questions to ask about a veterinary practice:

• Is the facility clean, comfortable and well-organized?
• Are appointments required?
• How many veterinarians are in the practice?
• Are dog and cat cages in separate areas?
• Is the staff caring, calm, competent and courteous, and do they communicate effectively?
• Do the veterinarians have special interests such as geriatrics or behavior?
• Are X-rays, ultrasound, bloodwork, EKG, endoscopy and other diagnostics done in-house or referred to a specialist?
• Which emergency services are available?
• Do fees fit your budget, and are discounts for senior citizens, military or multi-pet households available?